NYSC isn’t just about serving your country; for many young Nigerians, it’s also the first real test of survival on a tight budget. With a federal allowance of just ₦77,000 and, in some cases, an additional stipend from their state government or Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), the average corps member takes home a little ₦77,000 each month.
Now, ₦77K might sound like something until you place it against the reality of today’s Nigeria. Rising rent, food inflation, transport hikes, and even the daily cost of staying connected online. Suddenly, that monthly allowance doesn’t feel like much at all. For some corps members, it barely covers rent and feeding; for others, it means living from hand to mouth and hoping side hustles or family support can fill the gaps.
So, how do they make it work? How do they stretch ₦77K while navigating the hustle and uncertainty of their service year?
1. Chinedu – I live strictly by my budget
Location: Lagos
When I first got to Lagos, I nearly lost my mind. Everything is expensive. From transport, food, even water. The first month, I blew through my ₦77K in less than two weeks and had to start borrowing. That humbled me.
Now, I live by my budget like it’s law. I add my salary from my PPA, and I break it down into categories: ₦25K for food, ₦15K for transport, ₦10K for data, ₦5K for family support, and I set aside the rest the rest I don’t touch it.
It’s not easy. I’ve had to cut out ‘soft life.’ I cook my meals, I take BRT buses even if it means standing for an hour, and I track every single expense, but at least I don’t run out of money before the month ends anymore.
2. Hauwa – Roommates saved my life
Location: Abuja
When I got my posting to Abuja, I almost rejected it. Rent here is mad. But then I found two other corps members, and we decided to share a one-bedroom flat. At first, it was rough. Three girls? But it saved my life financially.
We split rent, and utilities. So instead of paying more than one million naira for the rent alone, I had to split with my roommates, and because of this arrangement, I still have money left to save and even treat myself once in a while.
It’s not always rosy, sometimes personalities clash, but at the end of the day, I’d rather deal with drama than be broke.
3. Seyi – My side hustle keeps me comfortable
Location: Ibadan
Honestly, I don’t depend on allawee. I’m a graphics designer, and I take freelance jobs online. On a good month, I earn ₦50K–₦100K extra. Also, my PPA pays me ₦30K. That’s what covers most of my living expenses.
My trick is: I don’t touch my ₦77K until the end of the month. I survive with money from my gigs, and I save the allawee. Some months, I’ve saved as much as ₦150k. By the time I finish service, I want to have at least ₦500K stacked up.
The truth is, side hustles are the game-changer. If you depend only on the government’s ₦77K, you’ll just suffer.
4. Tunde – I can’t abandon my family
Location: Kano
My younger siblings depend on me. Every month, I send ₦15K home, no matter what. That leaves me with ₦62K to survive.
I’ve cut out luxuries completely. I don’t eat out; I cook my own food because food is relatively cheap here in the North. My PPA is just a short distance from my residence. It’s stressful, but I can’t abandon my family.
Sometimes it feels unfair, but I remind myself that this is temporary. Sacrifice is part of life.”
5. Michael – I’m having the best time of my life
Location: Jos
I’m honestly having the best time of my life here in Jos. Life is just easier and more enjoyable than I expected. Foodstuff are very cheap compared to what my friends complain about in Lagos and Abuja. I buy food in bulk from the local markets and stock up. That way, I don’t have to stress about cooking every day or overspending on small portions.
Accommodation here is also affordable. I found a decent place without breaking the bank, and the environment is peaceful. The people are warm and welcoming; you can strike up a conversation with almost anyone, and they’ll treat you like family. And the weather? It gives serious Canada vibes. Cool, breezy, almost like you’re abroad. Sometimes I wake up, step outside, and just smile because the air feels so fresh.
Financially, I can’t complain. My PPA is an NGO, and they pay me ₦50K every month. My dad also sends me something regularly to cushion expenses. When I add that to my NYSC allowance, I find myself earning between ₦150K and ₦200K every month. Honestly, that’s more than I’ve ever had to myself at any point in my life.
Right now, I feel like I’m balling. I eat well, I explore the city, I even have some left to save. I know I should probably be stricter about saving and planning for life after service, and I’m trying to put a bit aside. But truthfully? This feels like the best season of my life so far.
How You Can Survive on ₦77K
From these stories, one thing is clear: surviving on ₦77,000 a month is possible, but it requires intention.
1. Create a Survival Budget
Your allowance should be allocated to the basics. Food, rent, transport, data, and a little savings. Once you draw that line, stick to it like law. Track your expenses in a notebook or with a budgeting app, and always set something aside for emergencies, even if it’s just ₦5,000.
2. Save First, Spend Later
The moment your allawee drops, automate your savings, even ₦5,000 makes a difference. Fintech platforms like Accrue can help you save in dollars, protecting your money from inflation. What you shouldn’t do is wait to save “what’s left,” because the truth is, there’s never anything left.
3. Cut Down Living Costs
Co-living with other corps members helps you split rent and utilities, and cooking in bulk is far cheaper than eating out every day. Just ₦1,500 spent on food daily adds up to ₦45,000 a month, more than half your allowance gone. The same goes for transport; walking or taking buses will save you far more than hopping on okadas or booking rides.
4. Start a Side Hustle
Earning extra income makes survival easier. Use your skills, even if it’s hair braiding, photography, teaching, graphic design, or managing social media. Even an extra ₦10,000 a month changes the game. Think of your service year as the perfect testing ground for small hustles or entrepreneurship.
5. Reduce Lifestyle Expenses
Lifestyle choices often eat deep into the allowance. Buying thrift clothes instead of new, cutting down on multiple subscriptions, and choosing cheaper data plans are small tweaks that make a big difference. You don’t need Netflix, Spotify, and Showmax all at once.
6. Support Your Future Self
NYSC lasts only one year, but your financial habits can last a lifetime. Even if you save just ₦500 a week, you’ll have something to show for it at the end. Think beyond the service year. you’ll need capital to relocate, job-hunt, or start something new. Supporting your future self starts with the little decisions you make with your ₦77,000 today.
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